Class Action Over Hermosa Beach Dance Studio Cameras
Join the Legal Action to Hold Perpetrators Accountable and Protect Privacy Rights
Hermosa Beach Dance Studio Class Action Overview
Hidden surveillance cameras were discovered in multiple unisex bathrooms at the School of Dance and Music on the 1100 block of Aviation Boulevard in Hermosa Beach. Parents spotted the devices during routine visits on Saturday morning, May 3, 2025, and immediately turned them over to school administrators, who contacted the Hermosa Beach Police Department. HBPD detectives responded at approximately 9:30 a.m. and have since opened a full criminal investigation, urging anyone with information to come forward.
This legal action, filed on behalf of affected students, families, and staff, targets the installation of hidden cameras in areas where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Leading the charge is the law firm Kent | Pincin, joined by co‑counsel experienced in privacy and personal rights litigation.
Continue reading to see more about this class action case, whether you may be entitled to join, and the steps you should take to become part of the class action.
Case Background
According to HBPD, the cameras were located inside the walls of several unisex bathrooms used by more than 1,000 students, ranging in age from two to eighteen, along with instructors, staff, and visiting families. The devices were immediately seized by authorities, and owner Liliana Somma has since retained a professional sweeps company to check the entire facility for any additional recording equipment. The studio has also installed hallway cameras to monitor ingress and egress as an extra precaution
Eligibility Criteria for Joining the Lawsuit
Individuals eligible to join include any student (through a parent or guardian), instructor, staff member, or visitor who used the unisex bathroom facilities at the School of Dance and Music while the hidden cameras were in place. Because the devices remained installed until their discovery on May 3, 2025, “use” encompasses every visit up to that date.
How the Cameras Were Found
Parents discovered hidden cameras tucked inside wicker baskets in the unisex bathrooms at the School of Dance and Music and immediately alerted studio management, who turned the devices over to Hermosa Beach Police. Studio owner Liliana Somma has since hired a professional sweep company to inspect the entire facility for additional devices and installed hallway cameras as an added security measure.
Legal Grounds for the Lawsuit
Under California Penal Code § 647(j), it is unlawful to secretly record individuals in locations where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as bathrooms, and victims may bring civil claims for intrusion upon seclusion, negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress, and other privacy‑related harms
Implications for Other Families
This case highlights the broader risk that non‑consensual surveillance poses in any facility serving minors and the importance of rigorous security protocols. Families whose children attend dance, music, or recreational studios should be aware of their right to a private and safe environment.
How to Join the Hermosa Beach Dance Studio Class Action
Time is of the essence under California’s statutes of limitation for privacy claims. To participate, please gather any evidence you have, such as photographs of the devices, correspondence with studio staff, or records of when you used the bathrooms, and contact our intake team. We will confirm your eligibility and guide you through the filing process.
Kent | Pincin offers free, confidential consultations to anyone affected by the Hermosa Beach dance studio incident. Whether you’re a student, parent, instructor, or visitor, we can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
To initiate the process, affected individuals fill out to following form: